What it means
A thionamide that blocks the thyroid gland from making hormone and also slows the change of T4 into the more active T3 in the body. It is used for hyperthyroidismhy-per-THY-roy-diz-umA condition in which the thyroid gland makes too much thyroid hormone.hyper- above, overthyr/o thyroid gland-ism conditionFull entry , in thyroid storm, and in the first three months of pregnancy, when it is preferred over methimazole. It can cause severe liver injury and, rarely, a dangerous drop in white blood cells (agranulocytosis). Its short form, PTUpee-tee-YOO (said as letters)A short form of propylthiouracil, an antithyroid drug; ISMP advises writing the full drug name.Full entry , is on ISMP's error-prone list, so the full name is written.
For the nurse
Teach the client to report sore throat, fever or mouth sores (possible low white cells) and nausea, dark urine, yellow skin or belly pain (possible liver injury) right away. Watch for signs of too little thyroid hormone as the dose takes effect, such as tiredness, feeling cold and weight gain.
At a glance
| Drug class | antithyroid agent (thionamide) |
|---|---|
| Spanish | propiltiouracilo |
Related terms
hyperthyroidism
A condition in which the thyroid gland makes too much thyroid hormone.
thyr/o
A word part that means the thyroid gland.
PTU
A short form of propylthiouracil, an antithyroid drug; ISMP advises writing the full drug name.